Self-organized film (several atomic layers to 1-2µm thick) on friction pair surfaces provides high anti-friction properties. The film has strong chemical and electronic bond with base metal.
However even a complex oil film separating friction surfaces cannot act as safe protection, oil film tends to break under pressure of frtiction parts, thus failing to resist micro seizure (welding) of micro protrusions, deformation and metal fatigue.
Technical publications of "Zero-wear effect" discovery co-author, prof. D.Garkunov